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Dec 04, 2025
Artificial intelligence (AI) is developing rapidly in China, with the number of patents and the size of the market both ranking highly among countries. However, this rapid development has posed new challenges to the legal framework, ethical norms and social governance, prompting China to continuously adjust and improve the relevant regulatory system.
"The system of institutionalized pro bono reflects what is best about the legal profession: private sector lawyers marshalling their resources to advance the interests of the poor and underserved. Yet the relationship between pro bono and the public good is more subtle and complex." (Scott L. Cummings, The Politics of Pro Bono, UCLA School of Law Public Law & Legal Theory Research Paper Series Paper No, 04-16, 2004, p.99)
Moral neutrality, business grounds and competing demands from liberal public interest groups and conservative organisations, can make it difficult to pursue justice-seeking pro bono efforts on a number of fronts. For example, the trans rights movement for extending basic legal rights and protections for a marginalized community has met with deep resistance in some corners and another example involves immigration rights. Pro bono efforts in the US during the Trump administration (and in some instances continuing through today) were at times frustrated with respect to the resettlement of Central American asylum seekers and refugees (in many instances involving children) as some law firms avoid taking “political” stances on these issues within their pro bono programs. The Afghan and Ukrainian crises are bringing similar concerns to the fore in Europe. Within large corporate law firms, which are the dominant providers of pro bono legal services, is it still legitimate to demand of pro bono lawyers to be morally neutral and stay clear of public interest lawyering which uses the law as a vehicle to combat social injustice?
IBA Annual Conference Miami 2022

Sep 27, 2023
The rise in popularity of generative artificial intelligence (‘generative AI’) has ignited the discussion on whether junior employees can be replaced by it. Some have gone to the extent of questioning whether professionals, such as lawyers, can also be replaced by generative AI. Is it wise to replace junior employees or lawyers with generative AI? What factors should be considered before deploying generative AI tools in your business? To consider these questions, we first need to understand the basic workings of generative AI and what it can offer. Fundamentally, AI is intelligence that is not biological. The general understanding is that machines will be ascribed with this intelligence. These machines have the ability to interpret, learn from and process external data in a way that is similar to the capabilities of the human mind. Generative AI is a type of AI program that generates content from a data set. It uses deep learning, a type of machine learning system that behaves like a neural network to simulate the functions of a human brain. In other words, it can mimic human intelligence by exhibiting analytical skills to create new content. Not only can generative AI be utilised in chatbot programs to create text, but it can also be used in programs that can create images, sound or videos. This article will consider two major forms of generative AI, in the context of risks to businesses: chatbots using generative pre-trained transformer technology programs; and image generating programs.
What role does pro bono play in African countries in providing free legal services to the poor and underserved? Are law firms the dominant providers of pro bono legal services, or are they trailing behind the services provided by state-sponsored and non-governmental mechanisms; and if so, what are the reasons? For the first time in the history of the IBA, the Pro Bono Committee has undertaken a survey of the state of pro bono on the African continent, with a particular emphasis on the African IBA membership. This session will engage the results of the survey, and will be an opportunity to discuss whether there is a role for the IBA to assist with challenges and barriers identified in the survey results.
IBA Annual Conference Miami 2022

Jul 08, 2025
Mediation is on the rise internationally as a means to settle disputes in a cost-effective manner. Chinese parties appear to be increasingly interested in mediation as an option. This article examines the evolving landscape of mediation in China and internationally. It considers how mediation for Chinese parties is evolving and whether mediation is a good option for Chinese parties in cross-border disputes. Commercial mediation has seen remarkable growth, bolstered by a supportive PRC judicial system and legislative initiatives encouraging parties to find harmonious ways to resolve disputes. The article analyses the three primary types of mediation in China: people’s mediation, administrative mediation, and commercial mediation. It also looks at mediation rules and proceedings in common law jurisdictions, such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United States. The article anecdotally considers the cultural elements, emphasising the Chinese parties’ preference for evaluative mediation styles as a reflection of civil law. Through case studies of international disputes involving Chinese and US parties, the article illustrates the practical dynamics of mediation involving Chinese parties and underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity in international mediation. As Chinese parties continue to go global, mediation is emerging as an attractive option for efficient and cost-effective dispute resolution. This analysis assesses whether the promotion of mediation is yielding tangible outcomes and explores the future of mediation involving Chinese and foreign parties.
When law firms embark on their ESG journeys, their pro bono offerings must be central to the social aspect of ESG. Can this be done without diminishing the integrity of pro bono?
IBA Annual Conference Paris 2023
Pro Bono Committe: Open Committee Business Meeting to engage with current members and potential new members about the work of the Pro Bono Committee and the role of officers
IBA Annual Conference Paris 2023
Apr 22, 2022
This article discusses the recent SEC case involving PwC and highlights the wider implications for intermediary institutions providing professional services in a tightened regulatory and enforcement regime in China’s banking and financial sector.
Pro Bono Committe: Open Committee Business Meeting to engage with current members and potential new members about the work of the Pro Bono Committee and the role of officers
IBA Annual Conference Mexico City 2024
By Yi-An (Ann) Lai. Alipay and the impact of e-payment systems resulting in new regulations in China and other jurisdictions.
Engagement in pro bono work in Latin America grows every year and law firms across the region are consolidating their offerings by taking important steps to further institutionalise their practices. Share in the discussion and be inspired by examples of trending topics in pro bono projects in Latin America.
IBA Annual Conference Mexico City 2024
Apr 22, 2025
The latest research by the International Bar Association (IBA) Legal Policy & Research Unit (LPRU) into gender disparity in the law across the world is focused on Taiwan. The findings reveal that women are underrepresented at the top of the profession in…
Join this session to learn about a planned update to the International Bar Association pro bono declaration and an accompanying guide to support pro bono practice. This will include a focus on defining pro bono and the avoidance of marketing or business promotion being classified as pro bono work.
IBA Annual Conference Toronto 2025
The IBA's LPRU has published a report on the nature and prevalence of bullying and sexual harassment in the legal profession around the world, based on the findings of its extensive 2018 survey on the subject. It offers both observations and recommendations for action. The IBA hopes that the report will encourage law firms to revisit their policies and training for responding to and preventing bullying and harassment.
An open meeting of the Pro Bono Committee where committee members and those interested in joining the committee, are invited to learn more about the extensive activities of the committee, provide feedback and collaborate about new ideas and initiatives.
IBA Annual Conference Toronto 2025
Jun 12, 2024
The new Foreign State Immunity Law 2023 of the People’s Republic of China came into force on 1 January 2024. This shifts the country (as well as its special administrative regions, Hong Kong and Macau) away from absolute state immunity to restrictive state immunity, bringing it more in line with the relatively prevalent practice among the international community. This article discusses the status of state immunity in public international law, analyses the new law’s provisions and examines practical challenges that will be faced by those seeking to utilise this law to enforce judgments or awards against foreign states and state entities, and the new law’s innovations that go beyond the United Nations Convention on Jurisdictional Immunities of States and Their Property of 2004 and the UK State Immunity Act 1978.
Across many regions, defending justice has become an act of courage. This panel unites lawyers committed to protecting colleagues who face persecution for upholding the rule of law in contexts such as politically sensitive litigation, human rights defence, anti-corruption matters, election-related disputes, media and free-expression cases, and criminal defence where due process is at risk. Through powerful personal stories and on-the-ground examples, speakers will showcase defenders who have risked their safety to represent others, and the international networks that rally in their support. Panelists will explore how the global legal community can mobilise—through advocacy, pro bono assistance, and cross-border collaboration—to protect the independence of the legal profession and the right to counsel everywhere. The end goal is actionable: equip participants with a clear support options and how to activate networks before, during, and after a crisis. At its heart, this conversation celebrates solidarity in action: lawyers standing with lawyers to ensure that justice itself is never silenced.
IBA Annual Conference Copenhagen 2026
Feb 17, 2023
This article will outline the development of China’s restrictions on the cross-border transfer of personal information (PI export), detailing PI export mechanisms provided by the Personal Information Protection Law. It will also explain the practical implications of the restrictions.
Every year, millions of hours of legal and professional services are donated to serve indigent clients. Measuring the impact of these hours may result in better data around client impact trends, provide better value to pro bono stakeholders by assisting law firms in better understanding and tailoring the resourcing of their programmes – and it may add value to the broader access to justice ecosystem.
IBA Annual Conference Mexico City 2024
Feb 22, 2021
Early on 1 February, hours before the first session of the newly elected parliament, Myanmar’s military arrested government officials and lawmakers, and seized control of the country. Citing election fraud, the generals ended the country’s experiment with democracy and declared a year-long state of emergency.
Nov 29, 2023
Negotiating the governance rules that are applicable post-closing in a corporate finance transaction is crucial – whether the transaction is a round of funding, an leveraged buyout operation or even an acquisition. This article assesses the process of doing so in France.
Fighting corruption through pro bono power
Feb 21, 2024
In early February, the French Administrative Supreme Court issued a favourable ruling regarding the tax regime for BSPCEs (bons de souscription de parts de créateur d'entreprise), a particular type of stock option. This article describes the case leading to this ruling and the implications.
Join this session to understand how the use of AI could amplify the outcomes of pro bono projects.
IBA Annual Conference Toronto 2025
Apr 24, 2025
France’s 2025 Finance Bill introduces a new legal framework, codified under Article 163 bis H of the French General Tax Code, applicable from 15 February 2025. This reform aims to provide clarity by creating a dedicated regime for gains realised on securities acquired or granted in consideration for salaried or management functions (whether by the issuing company, its subsidiaries or the parent entity).
The world still faces unique challenges to ensure access to justice and protect human rights. Pro bono work has become a crucial tool in addressing these challenges by providing vital legal assistance to those who cannot afford it and by mobilising lawyers who can offer expertise in cases with potential widespread impact. The intersection of pro bono efforts, access to justice and human rights violation are complex and multifaceted. As such, the SPPI showcase intends to highlight this topic at our upcoming IBA Annual Conference.
IBA Annual Conference Mexico City 2024
Nov 25, 2024
As France faces significant economic challenges characterised by mounting public debt and a record-high deficit, the draft Finance Bill for 2025 is currently being discussed before the French Parliament. The Bill seeks to reduce the public deficit from seven per cent to five per cent of gross domestic product through a €19bn revenue increase, introducing new taxes targeted at high-income individuals and large corporations. The legislative process is complicated by a hung parliament and social crises. Despite the government’s efforts to address all the issues at stake, ongoing political instability raises questions about the efficacy and stability of France’s economic policies.
Immigration has long been a simmering issue in France, as well as many other countries, such as Spain, Italy, the UK and the USA to name a few. As in the past, immigrants - whether economic migrants or asylum seekers - have mostly been people of limited financial resources, and today many of them arrive in their hoped-for destination in extreme poverty. As governmental support and assistance to immigrants has weakened in recent years in many countries in the face of shrill political appeals to xenophobia and racism, the private sector has had to step in.
IBA Annual Conference Paris 2023
Jan 12, 2024
In this session, Antonia Verna and Pavla Prikrylova presented the European Regional Forum Diversity & Inclusion Working Party with the Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit for Lawyers. The Toolkit was developed by the International Bar Association (IBA) to provide law firms with an action plan to embed the core principles of diversity and inclusion into their organisations.
Join us at the awards breakfast where the IBA Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Legal Practitioner to Human Rights, the IBA Outstanding Young Lawyer Award, and the IBA Pro Bono Award will be presented.
IBA Annual Conference Paris 2023
Apr 23, 2025
We were happy to see 110 participants in Munich on 27 March, in the unique location of Upside East for a day of discussions concerning the very challenging times that the automotive industry is now facing. Attendees had a chance to ease into the conference at the welcome cocktail which took place the evening before and it was good to see many familiar faces showing that the conference is becoming a familiar item on the IBA calendar.
Join us at the awards breakfast where the IBA Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Legal Practitioner to Human Rights, the IBA Outstanding Young Lawyer Award, and the IBA Pro Bono Award will be presented.
IBA Annual Conference Mexico City 2024
Jul 22, 2025
The International Bar Association’s (IBA) European Regional Forum brought the global fashion and luxury law community together in London for the 2025 edition of its highly anticipated European Fashion and Luxury Law Conference. Held on 15–16 May at the iconic OXO2 venue, the event drew over 100 attendees, including leading legal professionals, in-house counsel and industry experts, all eager to explore the latest legal and commercial trends shaping the fashion and luxury sectors. This article provides an overview of the conference.
Join us at the awards breakfast where the IBA Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Legal Practitioner to Human Rights, the IBA Outstanding Young Lawyer Award, and the IBA Pro Bono Award will be presented.
IBA Annual Conference Toronto 2025
Join us at the awards breakfast where the IBA Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Legal Practitioner to Human Rights, the IBA Outstanding Young Lawyer Award, and the IBA Pro Bono Award will be presented.
IBA Annual Conference Copenhagen 2026
Around the world, the demand for legal assistance far outpaces the resources available to those most in need. Yet, when corporate legal departments and law firms work together across borders, they create powerful networks that amplify pro bono impact, share expertise, and drive systemic change. This session explores how in-house counsel and external firm lawyers are collaborating to deliver innovative, sustainable models for access to justice—whether through joint legal clinics, cross-jurisdictional research initiatives, clearinghouse models, or digital platforms connecting volunteer lawyers with underserved communities. Participants will hear from leaders who have built successful global partnerships, examine strategies for overcoming logistical and regulatory barriers (including limits, conflicts and other hurdles), and learn practical ways to align pro bono goals and initiatives with corporate values and community engagement goals. Panelists will also share examples of projects well-suited for cross-border support, along with “recipes for success” to deliver sustainable impact. The conversation moves beyond traditional notions of volunteerism to focus on shared responsibility, leadership, and the transformative potential of cross-sector collaboration in the legal profession.
IBA Annual Conference Copenhagen 2026
The session time listed is British Summer Time (BST).
Join us for the virtual awards ceremony, where the IBA Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Legal Practitioner to Human Rights, the IBA Outstanding Young Lawyer Award, in recognition of William Reece Smith Jr, the IBA Pro Bono Award and the IBA Outstanding International Woman Lawyer Award, in recognition of Anne-Marie Hutchinson, all supported by LexisNexis, will be presented.
YoungLawyersHumanRightsBreakfastsJoin us at the awards breakfast where the IBA Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Legal Practitioner to Human Rights, the IBA Outstanding Young Lawyer Award, in recognition of William Reece Smith Jr and the IBA Pro Bono Award, will be presented.
We will also be recognising the award winners from 2020 and 2021, which also includes the recepient of the 2021 IBA Outstanding International Woman Lawyer.
Book social event
IBA Annual Conference Miami 2022
HumanRightsOn 16 February 2021, the European Court of Human Rights held that the non-punishment principle is a component of States' obligation under Article 4, the prohibition of slavery, servitude and forced labour. The principle stipulates that the involvement in unlawful activities by trafficked persons which results from exploitation, should not be criminalised and punished. Such unlawful activities include both 'specific forms of exploitation' that trafficked persons may be coerced to do (such as engaging in illegal work, drugs cultivation, or soliciting prostitution). The IBA has engaged on a project with the British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL) to produce unique research of the principle through a comparative analysis of how the non-punishment principle is applied in law and practice across different jurisdictions. The session will look at how the principle is applied across different jurisdictions, and will discuss recommendations to improve the legislative provision and practical implementation, including through due diligence laws imposed on corporates. It will also reference a pilot program to train lawyers and law enforcement personnel on the principle of non-punishment and ancillary matters and the creation of a dedicated online platform on the IBA/BIICL websites which will contain which will host videos, podcasts and web links to interviews with experts and practitioners from NGOs, international organisations and multi-stakeholder initiatives accessible to the public, as well as to legal professionals.
IBA Annual Conference Miami 2022
Environmental lawyers under threat: how can the legal community respond?
A concise global outlook on how anti‑corruption legislation and enforcement influence corporate governance and sustainability strategies across jurisdictions.
ESG in Evolution: the legal imperatives of tomorrow
Key developments in Latin American transactions and their financing; a look at the present and the future
A year on from the UNDP Sevilla Initiative for Accountable Service Providers, the debate around ‘professional enablers’ has moved on and intensified. Given the June 2026 World Bank/UN StAR report on professional enablers, the UK’s Illicit Finance Summit held in London in June 2026, in addition to ongoing work led by United Nations Development Programme, expectations on lawyers and accountants remain in focus.
Once framed as neutral advisers, professionals are increasingly positioned critically as potential facilitators of illicit financial flows. Against this backdrop, difficult questions are emerging. Are existing ethical frameworks and AML obligations sufficient, or are they being outpaced by regulatory and political pressure? Is enhanced self-regulation credible, or is external intervention inevitable? And to what extent are the professions being asked to solve a problem they did not create?
This session brings together perspectives across these developments to examine whether the current trajectory represents meaningful reform or reactive policymaking. It will explore the practical realities facing professionals, the risks to independence and privilege, and the growing expectation that the legal and accounting sectors play a more proactive role in safeguarding financial integrity.
Framed as a candid, roundtable discussion, the session will challenge assumptions, test the limits of current approaches, and ask a central question: are professionals truly part of the solution, or still uncomfortably close to the problem?
IBA Annual Conference Copenhagen 2026
Alison Taylor, a Clinical Associate Professor at the New York University Stern School of Business and Executive Director of Ethical Systems, recently published Higher Ground. In an interview with Nicola Bonucci, Alison will examine her acclaimed book’s main themes, including why running a business has become so complicated and how businesses can act responsibly in the modern world.
20th Annual IBA Anti-Corruption Conference
Just like cars require regular inspections—whether it’s the MOT in the UK, the revisione in Italy, the TÜV in Germany, or the ITV in Spain—leaders, too, need a periodic check-up. Are your skills, communication, and emotional intelligence ready for the future? Join this session to assess, fine-tune, and future-proof your leadership.
Women Lawyers Committee breakfast and keynote speech. The breakfast is open to all delegates.
9th Global Entrepreneurship Conference
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